The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-02-17
Department Gleanings.
DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT.

=
DEAR TRIBUNE: The annual Convention, Depart
ment of Connecticut W. X. c.. met at Bristol, Jan.
&c and q. Eghty-two delegates were present and
many visitors and all were entertained by the w.
r. O. OF Bristol The Convention opened a 3 u. m.
Wednesday. Reports OF the officers occupied the
rest of the day. In the evening reception was
given to members OF me G.A.R. Eneampment,
which was a very enjoyable occasion, many of the
comrades being present. Commander George Mer-
riman gave a very interesting address, from which
we quote as showing the results and numbers of the
w O. Commander Merriman said: ITO me the
Woman's Relief Corps Is a phenomenal organiza-
ton. History has given US nothing like it in object
in purpose in results In July, 1855, its member
ship consisted OF As ladies. Within period of four
years its membership has grown TO over $1,000
patriotic, loyal women, thoroughly organized for
the sole purpose OF aiding and assisting comrades of
the Grand Army in their work of charity for their
needy and destitute wards and in sustaining spirit
of loyalty and patriotism for country and home.
They have expended during the past year S23 600
among needy and destitute veterans and their fmi-
lies; they have paid over TO the different Posts TO
which they are auxiliary the sum OF 600 in cash
Can organization attaining to such results in the
fourth year of its existence be called anything but
The second day the Convention was called 10
order at 10 a. M. and the election of officers was
held with the following result Department Presi-
dent, Mary J. Merriman Bristol; <. V.-P, Lillian
T. Hope Hartford; j. V.-P., Mary f. Healey West
Winsted; Sec'y, Mary f. Matthews. Bristol; Treas
Lucy NJ. Toms, Stanford; Chap, Frances K Mar
| tin, New Haven; lns., Della A. Robinson. Norwich;
Insttuting aud Installing Officer. Jennie T.. w.
Smith. Winsted; Councillor. Fannie T. Hosmer,
| Hartford. Executive Board of Council. Elizabeth
| G. Kiefer, Waterbury; Mary j. Dyer, New Haven
New Britain Minnie J. Dart, Hartford. Delegate
at Large. Frances X Martin, New Haven; Del
egates, Della A. Robinson, Norwich; Mary A.
| Hoyt, Stamford: Sarah Weed Stamford; Alter.
mates Minnie J. Dart Hartford; Adelaide SaclSett
| Hartford Jui,tta A. Baldwin New Haven. After
election the officers were duly installed by Past
| Department President Elizabeth c. Keller OF
| Waterbury.
The ladies OF Palmer, Relief Corps, of wnsted
| have invited the Department. To hold their ne xt
Convention there-Aiary T. Matthews, Department
Secretary, Bristol, Conn
DEPARTMENT or NEW HAMPSHIRE.
DEAR TRIBUNE: The DEPARTMENT Convention o.
New Hampshire was largely attended, lOi Dele
gates responding to the rolfcal Mrs. Celia f. T.
| Foster presiding The reports of the officers were
ably presented following which the Ritual wa.
exemplifed under the direction of Addie f. Hughes
| of Ashland. The candidate initiated was Marion
H. wife OF ex-Gov Frederick Smith The Treas
urer Mrs Annie r. Hines, OF Milford, reported re
ceip,s for the year Sis expenditures 81 OBJ 03
The report of the Secretary, Mrs. Charlotte s. Rob
| bins gave the number of members for the yea
| ending Dee 81, 1856, as Isl. The reception ten
| dered Gen Fairchild, Commander in Chief G. A r.
| AT Mechanics Hall, was grand occasion. The OIL
| GERS of the Department Convention and Depart
| ment Encampment appeared upon the platform
| with the distinguished guest Of the evening. Gen
| Fairchild was formally welcomed by Col Cogswel
| and made thrilling response. The speech of tn,
evening In behalf of the w nc. was delivered b,
| Mrs Elizabeth A. Turner, the National Treasurer
| In the course Of her remarks, she said: 1.-THE Re
| lief Corps is older than the Grand Army. IL wa
| formed when the first shot was fired on Fort sum
| ter and Il will last long as there is n veteran
alive to honor When that shot was fired il stirre,
a feeling OF loyalty in the hearts of the true womeI
of the North Just much as IL did the souls OF tin
: true men of the North. and their deepest sympa
thies and heartiest aid were given the men al
through the dreadful conflict. Not till that sho
was fired had ever realized what the old fla
was TO US The merchant in his palace the poo
man in his hut, the farmer In the field the miner
his cave, all had that same feeling of protection
Mr.. a
, comrades: "You came back from that war victor
GUS with star for every State and State for ever
star But there came home with you the diseas